La historia del CINE MEXICANO

Mexican Cinema: A Historical Overview

This section provides an introduction to the history of Mexican cinema, highlighting its unique contributions and early developments.

Early Influences and Beginnings

• The late 19th century in Mexico, under Porfirio Díaz's rule, marked a period of economic growth and cultural development.

• Díaz's fascination with France led to the introduction of cinematography in Mexico in 1896.

• The first public film screening took place in August 1896 at Plateros, Mexico City, showcasing both European and Mexican-made films.

• The film "El presidente de la república paseando a caballo en el bosque de Chapultepec" is considered the first Mexican production.

• Early filmmakers like Ignacio Aguirre and Salvador Toscano played pivotal roles in shaping Mexican cinema during the Porfiriato era.

• Toscano's work transitioned from documentary-style films to fiction with "Don Juan Tenorio."

Evolution During Revolutionary Times

• The Mexican Revolution (1910) influenced filmmaking by capturing events from various perspectives.

• Film recordings documented significant historical moments, setting a precedent for newsreels.

• Post-revolutionary period saw a resurgence of fictional storytelling in Mexican cinema amidst competition with Hollywood.

• Notable figures like Dolores del Río gained prominence internationally.

Impact of Foreign Collaborations

• Renowned director Sergei Eisenstein's project "¡Que viva México!" brought attention to Mexican culture and politics through cinematic storytelling.

• Eisenstein's unfinished film showcased deep insights into Mexican society and rituals.

The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema

This section delves into the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, highlighting key filmmakers, actors, and films that defined this era.

Allá en el Rancho Grande and Comedy Ranchera

• The Golden Age of Mexican cinema began with "Allá en el Rancho Grande" by Fernando de Fuentes, initiating the comedy ranchera genre set in rural areas.

• De Fuentes furthered his impact with revolutionary-themed films like "El prisionero trece" and "¡Vámonos con Pancho Villa!"

Emilio Fernández: Iconic Director

• Emilio Fernández, known as "El Indio," emerged as a prominent director during the Golden Age after a background in the Revolution and stunts.

• His works such as "María Candelaria" showcased his concern for indigenous causes, earning him international acclaim.

Star System and Comedic Talents

• The era boasted a solid star system featuring Pedro Infante, María Felix, and others alongside great comedians like Cantinflas.

• Cantinflas' ability to blend Mexican essence with social critique led to Hollywood recognition, including praise from Charlie Chaplin.

Evolution of Genres in Mexican Cinema

This section explores how directors in the Golden Age diversified genres in Mexican cinema while maintaining cultural roots.

Luis Buñuel's Impact

• Luis Buñuel transitioned from surrealism to critical acclaim during his time in Mexico with masterpieces like "Los olvidados" portraying marginalized youth.

• Other notable works by Spanish directors like Carlos Velo expanded melodramatic themes based on local literature.

Genre Diversity

• Native and foreign directors ventured into various genres including comedies, melodramas, crime films, rumbera movies, fantasy, horror due to Mexico's cultural ties to death and supernatural elements.

Santo: Cultural Icon

• The emergence of iconic characters like Santo, the Silver Masked Wrestler symbolized Mexican cinema's fusion of wrestling culture with fantastical narratives.

Legacy and Decline of the Golden Age

This section reflects on the legacy left by the Golden Age of Mexican cinema and its eventual decline towards the late '50s.

Institutional Contributions

• The establishment of the Academy Mexicana de Artes y Ciencias Cinematográficas highlighted industry achievements through prestigious awards like Premio Ariel.

Decline Factors

• By late '50s audience preferences shifted towards television over cinemas leading studios to cut costs resulting in lower quality productions.

Revival Through New Wave Directors

This section discusses how a new wave of directors revitalized Mexican cinema during the '60s amid industry challenges.

Directorial Renaissance

• Directors like Arturo Ripstein injected fresh perspectives into filmmaking amidst industry struggles bringing renewed creativity to Mexican cinema.

Emerging Talent

Mexican Cinema Evolution

This section discusses the evolution of Mexican cinema, highlighting key directors and films that shaped the industry.

Alfonso Arau and Mexican Cinema

• Alfonso Arau's departure from Mexico after his film's poor reception and his father's kidnapping.

• Arau's peak creativity with "Como agua para chocolate" in 1992, based on a novel by Laura Esquivel.

Rise of New Directors in Mexican Cinema

• Mention of directors like Carlos Bolado, Carlos Carrera, and Antonio Serrano who made significant contributions in the '90s.

• Introduction of Alejandro González Iñárritu with "Amores perros," marking a shift towards international recognition for Mexican filmmakers.

Contemporary Mexican Cinema

• Emergence of directors like Carlos Reygadas, Gerardo Naranjo, and Amat Escalante known for their distinctive works showcased at international festivals.

• Recognition of actors such as Salma Hayek, Gael García Bernal, and Diego Luna who gained global acclaim.

The Trio Conquering Hollywood

• Cuarón, Del Toro, and Iñárritu becoming known as the "Tres Amigos" conquering Hollywood with multiple Oscar wins for Best Director.